NST February 2025 Love and Kindness

grandmanerd

Massive congratulations abundant. 

I'm doing okay. The changes I've made (switching back to things I had been doing but then let slide) have improved things, just need to slog on with them and then make tweak more things in the right direction. But it's all good news so far.

I have had a spendy few days. I bought some of the things I had been considering. The gloves - I specifically asked DS2 for gloves in November 2023 to match a scarf they had gifted me in December 2022. They bought me an absolutely beautiful pair of gloves deep green suede with tan inserts (not sure if it's real suede or look alike) but they didn't match the scarf or anything else in my wardrobe. I've been looking at woolen gloves for months (I discarded 3 single gloves in December 2024 and wanted at least one pair (2nd pair would have been basic black) but became more determined when the snow came. The best ones were quite expensive - my favourite pair were from NZ. So I've whittled the list down (trying for a balance between quality and price and prioritising Scottish/ local suppliers). I've settled on 2 pairs of Scottish gloves in blue and green (not an exact match but toning with lots of the things I wear) and a 3 pack of black gloves which are probably mass produced in horrible conditions, just for working outside in the yard on cold days. I won't mind when they get caked in mud, then drop off my hands and disappear into said mud. But they definitely weren't an impulse buy.

For some reason the people who make gloves don't make matching scarves but again after much searching I found a tan/ milk chocolate coloured one and a deep green one. 2023's charity shop purchases included 2 mid brown cardigans and an olive/ mustard/ green fine polo neck jumper and the long sleeved organic cotton tees I bought then from an ethical supplier's men's range so a 5 pack in muted colours including olive green and mustard yellow. At the end of last year I ordered a mid brown cotton V neck cardi from another ethical supplier (a beanie suggestion, thank you) and DS1 had bought me a similar item in my favourite turquoise in December 2023.
 
To cut a long story short I've bought a lot of things that were on my want/ need list (they are on the want list for months/years whilst I trawl through cs and ethical sites until they become urgent and even then I don't always buy them). I hate shopping. I find it hard to spend money on myself. My favourite cs have closed and I struggle to get to some of the ones that remain. I'm trying to make mindful decisions and make my wardrobe make sense (a lot of my plain basics have reached the end of their life and my favourite replacements were dresses, usually in sales so a very limited number of options in my size). I still need leggings/ an additional pair of joggers and need to try knickers and bras again (total nightmare).

I didn't manage to get as far as the Community shop yesterday so did an small grocery shop online. I was hoping to get on a bus and drop off at the stop outside the community shop on my way back but I never got further than the bins. My Builder had told me he would be back yesterday but Mrs Builder changed that at 5 pm Thursday to next Monday. The electrician didn't come either so I presume that was the reason for the change. The electrics, pipework etc need to be sorted before the bathroom fitting can go in (next week).

So instead of moving stuff from in front of the electric meter (cleared away from the gas meter this week) I worked slowly and logically. I seem to have been sweeping the floor every day for the past two weeks with very little progress (the chinchillas sweep their cage, everything is so packed that I but especially DS3 knock things onto the floor and then there are deliveries (food and parcels every day for them, some for me too most of this week - I try to batch order). I'm also doing my own mini boycott and reducing Big River dependency. I've seen online complaints about having to pay for films which are supposed to be free - and the six adverts you have to watch at the start so they can say there are 'limited ad breaks' so I'm reassured that it's not just me who struggles to find anything worth watching.

Another reason for my lack of energy could be that I reached the end of my Vitamin D supply. I had ordered a new pack but couldn't find them. So I looked up the manufacturer's direct, ordered Vitamin D, my turmeric and black pepper (for joint pain) and added a 3 in 1 magnesium tablet at prices lower than big river and got a 30% discount. I'm using this ethical vegan supplier as they send the tiniest pressed pills - I struggled with other supplements as they had used glucose capsule shells which aren't good for my diabetes. So I cancelled the Big River supplement subscription and then tried for bicarb (big quantities for cleaning - I had made the change as Will co and Morries don't seem to stock them any more and I'm not paying for baking sized tubs). I don't need them yet but cancelled that prescription and I've also found my favourite toilet rolls (least likely to block the loo when Beloved does the 'mummy's hand) elsewhere because Big River didn't have them last time they were due so I found an alternative supplier for those.

I've found an alternative used book supplier and ordered a few bits for my grand-daughter and one I hope gives my pregnant daughter out law a laugh (and a distraction because she needs to rest).

So yesterday, after ordering the food (quite pleased with my shop which include porridge oats to go in my breakfast yoghurt, large toast loaf for alternative breakfasts and suppers, a few useful bits, a few treats (the Community shop had £4 boxes of chocolate - I bought myself a bar instead, must eat one square at a time). Then I started sweeping from the gas meter corner, then 'mopped' by throwing a bunch of antiseptic wipes at the floor, sitting on a chair and moving them round with my feet. So first patch of floor clean and clear (there were some stubborn marks), 2 bin bags in the new bathroom (waiting to see if anyone moves into No. 8 before I fill their bin) and late on I moved 2 small pieces of furniture. DS3 also read the gas meter and moved the tv onto a chair (it came from mum's and I've used it once - DS3 attached it to his laptop and played me the first episode of Good Omens).

I've slept really well (was awake too late but slept until nearly 11 am with only one brief wake up) but am taking my time getting moving. I've picked up a parcel from behind the door. Mr and Mrs Builder have dropped off supplies for Monday and Mrs Builder has taken 3 bin bags to No. 8's bin (the man who owns it sublet to another company who have gone bust so no tenants expected any time soon).

Grateful for getting stuff done (and finding stuff as I moved extra boxes over to the new shelf (where the tv used to be), yootoob podcasts (brain is still befuddled but I listed to something and play games/ check email etc), good books and new bedding (quilt has been washed and dried and I will use my new duvet and sheets (had them since October).

DawnW

Sounds like good progress @grandmanerd

Look at the Snag and Big Bloomers Company web sites for underthings, and other things, see what you think. I have only had socks for OH and face masks (during covid) from the latter company, but they were great to deal with, and they seem to have a good range. I have had lots of things from the former, and they too have great customer service. They aren't cheap, but great quality.

NSD # 9 for me today. Doing well this month, but we are going away next week Monday - Friday so there will be spends then.

Today I have been sorting some food to take with us. We are going with DD2 and her family, so there will be 6 of us self catering. We always take lots of food with us. I have got sausages and chicken drumsticks out of the freezer to cook tomorrow (I will do sausage casserole to use up some of the fridge veg, and marinated drumsticks). I have made little sponge cakes and will take whipped cream, jam and lemon curd to fill them butterfly style. Also made an apple and blackberry pie from some sad apples from the fruit bowl and some foraged blackberries from the freezer.

OH has bathed the dog. I had hoped to get a grooming appointment before we went away but couldn't fit it in. His excess fur will keep him warm and at least it is clean now   He was not impressed.

beanielou

@grandmanerd. Look at Popsy Clothing. They have everything a gal could want. A British company & a lot of their products are made in the UK.  They have dungarees (so comfy), dresses, cardigan, leggings, cardigans, sweaters. 

I got lovely dungarees with books on. They currently have a lovely cardigan with books on. I don’t really look anywhere else now. 

grandmanerd

Sunday 16th February 2025

@PeacefulfulMindPeacefulLife
Be kind to all the past versions of you.
They are the soil in which you now bloom
Ariella Astoria

Things that exist but you can't see:
All the compliments that people have thought of you but never shared
Your tiny cells fighting together to keep you alive
How proud little you would be of who you've become
You showing up in other people's dreams
Your endless potential and power to create whatever your heart desires
People thinking of you and smiling
How much you've already healed

Thrifty_Taylor

Thanks @DawnW. Have a lovely time away.

Felt a bit flat yesterday, & friend postponed our crafternoon, so after shopping with mum & putting it all away, I had a nap, then read a chunk of my book. Watched a film with DS1 & DH after tea & did some knitting for a customer.

Went for a walk with DH after breakfast, only a small shower as we came home. Did a hand sewing job, 2 customers came to drop off & collect sewing. Headed to mum's after dinner, we knitted & chatted & watched a favourite programme from years ago. Collected DS3 & friend from the cinema. Finished knitting the head of my next gonk & did the ironing. Knitting for a customer after tea.

Grateful for family time, inspiring & favourite programmes, nearly finishing another book

abundant1972

Good morning 🌖

Weekend came and went in a blink. Quiet day Saturday and family day Sunday. Was a tough one - sorting through wills and funeral arrangements whilst trying to be sensitive to my Dad's feelings as he and Mum are still very much alive. It was sad seeing Mum's handwriting on things. Never in a million years would she have predicted Alzheimer's would take her when she wrote it. I think it got us all thinking about needing to sort out Power of Attorney for each other. 

Feeling excited that my last debt payment goes out this week - but thinking 'will it be an anti-climax?' This has been my top goal for so long again - now it's cleared... what now? Hopefully a chance to build some financial stability - but I think if I can learn anything from my parents who stashed money away for a 'rainy day' then became too old/unwell to enjoy it - I need to live a little too. So - I'm trying to think of things that bring me joy (so far still looking 🔮 lol) that I can reignite. 

Saturday = spend day 
Sunday = NSD number 8
Today = spend day

I am grateful for: 

1) A supportive family
2) The life/experiences I have had growing up
3) Recognising and accepting my need for alone time

Have a nice day folks xx

grandmanerd

Monday 17th February 2025

(food for thought - not political, just humanitarian)
'The way a government treats refugees is very instructive because it shows the way they would treat the rest of us if they thought they could get away with it'
(Tony Benn)

Vivienne
Can you imagine the outcry if we all flooded into another country without warning or invite? there would be hell to pay.
so why should they be allowed to do it?

George Bernard Shaw
Dear Vivienne
You're obviously not a scholar of British History are you?
regards
George

Vivienne
why? have we already done it?


If it brings you even a little bit of joy, do that

GENTLE REMINDERS
You deserve to be heard
Your opinions matter
Your feelings are valid
Your best is enough
It's okay to rest and pause
It's okay to grow at your own pace
It's okay to have moments of doubt
Your mistakes don't define you
How you speak to yourself matters

grandmanerd

Hugs abundant
  
I didn't strap my ankle up on Saturday though I knew it needed it and I didn't strap it up yesterday although I was mostly on the couch. So I can barely stand up today. I did move things to give  access to the electric meter (having only done some of what needed to be done over the weekend - I nearly started with 'I failed to' but that's not true, I did some in very difficult circumstances). 

I went upstairs to the bathroom one step at a time, stepping up with my right foot and then bringing the poorly ankle up beside it. I did the necessaries (including sit down exercise), then decided I might as well have my shower whilst I was there (I don't intend attempting it a second time if I can avoid it) and also washed my hair so if I end up stuck on the couch all day at least that is done.

Mr Builder has been and gone away again (to order plaster board and the cladding for the bathroom. I've hobbled out into the back yard and hung 3 things on the line and took some things to the skip. Someone's dumped a festive tree in there so when I find my secateurs I'll chop that up and put it in the green bin because I'm getting bolder about putting things from the yard (scraps of building materials and diy over the years) into the skip.

Grateful for a roof over my head, making very slow progress, hot water (still loving having a working sink)

laura_lau

Good evening everyone. I am back in the UK since yesterday, and feeling the cold, despite the thick jumper. I don't have much to report, apart from an uneventful flight yesterday, then a very long journey home (it took me longer to travel home with tube & train than it took me to fly from Milan). The welcome by OH and the puppy (my dog is almost 4 years old, but she's still such a joyous puppy at heart, I can only describe her in terms of puppiness) was very warm, so made me feel instantly better. 

Talking about the puppy, today she has been very quiet (she hasn't barked once, which is definitely not like her, as she's a dachshund) and looking rather sorry for herself. She went out with OH in the afternoon and he said she didn't want to run (again, not very much like her). She's been sleeping in her bed wrapped up warm in her blanket since she came home, so that' a bit weird. I suppose dogs might also catch a dog flu / dog cold? Never really happened before, but we are definitely keeping an eye on her.

On the other hand, OH got a referral to the hospital to see the eye doctor a few days ago, as he said he couldn't see very well from one eye, and they did all tests and said there is nothing wrong apart from cataract. He is 42, so I was a bit shocked, as I thought it would usually come much later (my mum started suffering from it in her 60es). They said they will call him in in 4 weeks to do another detailed visit, to get everything ready for the operation. I'm a bit worried, because he says he can't really see much at all from that eye now, he sees shapes, and that it impacts also the way he perceives depth (the other eye is ok for now). I don't remember my mum describing it like that before she did her operation, so now I'm wondering if this is normal, and I'm trying to convince him to go and get seen by someone else, but he seems much more calm than me about it, so he will probably just wait to be called. 

Apart from that, I have to report that, while clearing and packing up my room at my mum's house, I found lots of letters and postcards of when I was at university and I lived in Germany for a while. I had completely forgotten about those, and they were such a welcome surprise. I put them all in a box and will read them when everything is a bit more calm in a couple of months. They did bring up lots of lovely memories, and just thinking about them puts a smile on my face.

Today was NSD #14.
I am grateful for being back in my little flat with OH an the puppy, my thick jumper, and lovely memories putting a smile on my face.

Thrifty_Taylor

Sending hugs @abundant1972 & @grandmanerd.

NSD#11
@laura_lau I too am.wairing for cataract surgery. I was diagnosed at 47  (I'm now 49). I only had it in one eye on diagnosis, but when I finally had my hospital appointment last September, I was told I have them in both now. Was told 6 months til I could get an operation. I don't drive at night, as the bright headlights are too piercing, especially if it's dark & rainy. My sight in one eye is worse than the other & if I need to read something, I tend to take my glasses off & nearly touch the text to my nose to see it! 🤣 Good your OH doesn't have to wait too long to get sorted out. My mum said it was remarkable how well she could see the next morning, & how bright all the colours were.

DS3 managed to get himself up for work. I'd set my alarm for 6.30, but stayed in bed with my eyes closed, though not sleeping. Walked just over 5 miles with DH after breakfast. Started a new book whilst eating dinner, then LOTS of sewing jobs done this afternoon.

Only me & DH home for tea, so I suggested we eat the steak out the freezer 😋 finished the knitting for a customer, just ends to sew in now. Made stir-fry veg & rice to take to work for my dinners the next two days.

Grateful for the sound of the waterfall, getting sewing jobs done, enjoying my last day off